Introduction to orthotics

 Orthotics are shoe inserts that have been designed in a way that brings about a desired change in the way your feet function.

This might be as simple as a basic arch support that ‘rests’ your foot while you stand – the type you see at shoe shops and pharmacies – or they might be a complex prescriptive insole that is specifically designed to alter forces acting on the body, and improve the muscle and joint activity of the person wearing them.

Because of this wide range, orthotics can be worn by anyone from children with developmental concerns, like intoeing for example, to elderly people who might have pain secondary to arthritis in one or more of their foot joints. The more complex prescriptive orthotics are usually used for athletes, and active people who develop some sort of pain or discomfort due to the fact that they are on their feet for long periods of time.

Absolutely. But the better question to consider here is ‘do you need help?’…

You see, everyone – unless they are extremely blessed to have perfect posture and mechanics of motion – could theoretically benefit from wearing orthotics. That’s like saying that most people could benefit from wearing glasses even though they don’t necessarily need to wear them.

However, not having perfect feet doesn’t always mean you need orthotics – just like not having 20/20 vision may not necessarily mean that you need to wear glasses.

Usually, when pain is involved, the need for orthotics will be driven by 2 things – whether we have perfect feet or not:

• Increased force loading (this is usually through increased activity or weight demands)
• Decreased ability to handle this loading (usually through repetition, previous injury or ageing)

Even without pain though, more and more people are starting to use orthotics simply to optimise their biomechanics, to improve their performance on the field, potentially reduce muscle fatigue and risk of injury, and generally help them take that next step in their journey to a healthier lifestyle.

If you’re not sure if you need orthotics, or would simply like to know a little more about them, feel free to fill in your details below, and one of our friendly podiatrists will be in touch with you.